VACCINES PREVENT AN ESTIMATED 2-3 MILLION DEATHS EACH YEAR
Maintaining high vaccination rates While childhood vaccination has been successful in controlling many infectious diseases, it is essential to maintain high vaccination rates to preserve these gains. Vaccine coverage is a crucial factor in preventing outbreaks of vaccine- preventable diseases.
When vaccination rates fall below a certain threshold, diseases that were once under control can resurge, putting unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children at risk. High vaccine coverage ensures the continued protection of vulnerable populations, including infants, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
The European Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that on a national basis at least 95% of children are immunised against diseases preventable by immunisation and targeted for elimination or control.
These include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), measles, mumps and rubella.
Key findings The statistics cover the quarter and year ending 31st March 2023.
• Throughout this period uptake has remained high, and for this quarter around 95% of children received each routine immunisation by the time they were 12 months old, except for rotavirus vaccine, which had 92.8% uptake.
• The 95% uptake recommended by WHO was missed by 24 months of age: Hib/MenC (93.7%), Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) (93.4%) and MenB (93.0%).
• The first dose of MMR vaccine is offered between 12 and 13 months old and the second dose at 3 years 4 months old. - 93.4% of children had the first dose of MMR vaccine by 24 months of age. This rose to 95.4% for children who had reached age 5.
- Uptake of the second dose of MMR vaccine by 5 years was 89.8%, rising to 91.4% by age 6 years.
• The 4-in-1 vaccine provides the booster dose (4th dose) of protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio. 90.3% of children
had the 4-in-1 booster at age 5 years, rising to 92.1% by age 6 years.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy Despite the overwhelming evidence of the benefits of vaccination, there is a growing concern about vaccine hesitancy—a reluctance or refusal to vaccinate—among some parents.
Misinformation, misconceptions, and fears about vaccine safety have fuelled vaccine hesitancy in recent years. It is crucial for healthcare professionals, public health authorities, and communities to address these concerns with accurate information and engage in open, empathetic communication to build trust and confidence in vaccines.
The role of healthcare professionals Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and other providers, play a central role in promoting childhood vaccination. We serve as trusted sources of information for parents and caregivers, answering questions, addressing concerns, and emphasizing the benefits and safety of vaccines. By engaging in proactive education and advocacy, healthcare professionals can contribute to higher vaccination rates and protect children from preventable diseases.
A call to action Dr Claire Cameron, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Scotland said: “Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine childhood immunisation programmes, with dramatic falls in uptake rates in some areas. While vaccine uptake remains high overall in Scotland, any decline is concerning as we work to ensure children are protected against vaccine- preventable diseases.”
“Immunisation is the best way of protecting against serious diseases and we would encourage everyone who is invited to take up the offer of vaccination.”
When to immunise Vaccines are given at different ages to protect adults and children. To find out when these vaccinations are offered, and when and where they'll be given, helpful information is available on the NHS Inform website:
www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-
living/immunisation/when-to-immunise/
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